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22 Livestock PDF
22 Livestock PDF
Afzal* and
A.N. Naqvi
STATUS AND FUTURE TRENDS
and about 35 million people are engaged in livestock- Production characteristics of Pakistani buffaloes are
related activities, earning about 40% of their income given in Table-2. Nili-Ravi is the best dairy buffalo-breed
from it [Government of Pakistan, 2002]. of the world [Shah, 1991]. Buffaloes are mainly found
in Punjab (60.9%) and Sindh (31.8%). In fact in the
Pakistan has a large livestock population, well adapted 60’s and 70’s, very few buffaloes were found in NWFP
to the local conditions and has some of the best and Balochistan. However, over the years, buffalo
tropical dairy breeds. Current livestock-population population has increased significantly in these areas,
(2000-2001) of the country include 23.34 million particularly in NWFP.
buffaloes, 22.42 million cattle, 24.24 million sheep,
49.14 million goats and 0.77 million camels (Table-1). There are ten distinct breeds of cattle found in Pakistan
These produce 32.695 million tonnes of milk, 1.010 [Wahid, 1975; Naqvi and Jafar, 1989; Bhutto et al,
million tonnes of beef, 0.666 million tonnes of mutton, 1993]. Their production characteristics are given in
39.2 thousand tonnes of wool and 46 million skins Table 3. However, these breeds probably make up only
and hides [Government of Pakistan, 2002]. The present 30 percent of the population and the rest of the
article describes main characteristics of livestock- population is generally classified as non-descript.
breeds, livestock population trend, production Cattle were originally kept for draught purpose but,
systems, government efforts to improve livestock with mechanization gaining momentum, cattle are
genetic resources and future research-agenda for the being kept for dairy and meat purposes. Crossbreeding
improvement of animal genetic resources in Pakistan. of local cattle with exotic semen (particularly Holstein-
Friesian and Jersey) for improved milk-production has
LIVESTOCK BREEDS AND THEIR PRODUCTION become popular and more than 2 million crossbred
CHARACTERISTICS cattle are present in Pakistan [Khan, 1994]. Although
no specific breed of beef-cattle is present in Pakistan,
Pakistan is endowed with rich livestock genetic some local breeds have the potential for beef
resources. Pakistani buffaloes are riverine type and production and many farmers keep cattle to sell on
mainly belong to two breeds i.e. Nili-Ravi and Kundi. Eid ul Azha, a muslim festival following the annual
pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), for sacrificial purpose.
Table - 1: Livestock Population of Pakistan (2000-2001)
(000 heads)
Province Cattle Buffalo Sheep Goat Camel
NWFP 4813 1462 3223 8587 63
Punjab 9677 14201 5887 18251 143
Sindh 6490 7415 4418 11685 228
Balochistan 1444 257 10708 10616 333
Pakistan 22424 23335 24236 49139 767
2 Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004)
M. Afzal and A.N. Naqvi
50000
40000
POPULATION (000)
30000 Cattle
Buffaloes
20000 Sheep
Goats
10000
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
CENSUS YEAR
There are 30 local breeds of sheep in the country some of these described breeds may not be true breeds
[Husnain, 1985; Bhutto et al,1993; Ishaque, 1993; Isani and may be just off-shoots of the others.
and Baloch, 1996]. The production characteristics of
these breeds of sheep are shown in Table-4. Important TRENDS OF LIVESTOCK POPULATION
sheep breeds are Bucchi, Lohi, Thalli and Salt Range
in Punjab; Dumbi, Kachhi and Kooka in Sindh; Balkhi, Population of all major species of livestock (cattle,
Damani and Kaghani in NWFP and Baluchi, Bibrik, buffaloes, sheep and goats) has been constantly
Harnai and Rakhsani in Balochistan. Sheep farming increasing over the years. However, growth-rate is
is an important economic activity in Balochistan and different for various species. Growth-rate of buffalo is
more than 44 percent of the total sheep are raised in higher than that of cattle (Figure-1). In fact, in 1955,
Balochistan. when the first livestock-census was carried out, cattle
population was much higher than of buffaloes. Cattle
There are 37 breeds of goats reported in Pakistan in Pakistan have mainly been used as draught-animal,
[Bhutto et al, 1993, Isani and Baloch, 1996]. The in addition to milk production and, with mechanization
production characteristics of these breeds are given gaining momentum in 60s and 70s, cattle-population
in Table-5. The important goat breeds are Beetal, Dera increased at a nominal rate. Introduction of
Din Panah and Teddy in Punjab, Barbari and Kamori crossbreeding for improved milk-production resulted
in Sindh, Kaghani and Jatal in N.W.F.P. and in increased interest in cattle-raising in the 80s and
Khurassani, Lehri and Pahari in Balochistan Goat 90s. In contrast, the buffalo is the main dairy-animal
production is almost evenly distributed among all of Pakistan, and its population continued to grow at
regions of the country. almost 1.75 times the growth-rate of cattle. Thus,
whereas population of cattle in 1955 was 172% more
Camels are mainly raised for draught and baggage than buffaloes, the buffalo-population is currently higher
purposes and the population is more in areas where than cattle. Buffalo milk contains higher butter-fat and
road-infrastructure is less developed. Dairy camels of total solids and has a richer taste, and it is preferred
Pakistan are also very famous. More than 43 percent by Pakistani people who have developed a taste for it.
of camel-population is present in Balochistan only. In fact, cow milk is sold at a cheaper price than buffalo
There are a few studies on the breeds of camels in milk in most parts of the country.
Pakistan and recently a study [Isani and Baloch, 2000]
has described 21 breeds of camels (Table-6). However,
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Livestock Resources of Pakistan: Present Status and Future Trends
In small ruminants, the growth-rate is much higher in population is kept by farmers with more than 20 animal
goats than sheep. At the time of first livestock-census per household. However, the trend of keeping medium
in 1955, the numbers of sheep were higher than goats. (7-20 animals) and large herd-sizes ( > 20 animals) is
However, now the situation is absolutely different; goats increasing in recent years.
outnumber sheep and are even more than twice the
number of sheep in Pakistan. Goat’s meat is preferred The trend of keeping small ruminants is different from
by customers in Pakistan and is usually sold at a large ruminants and the distribution of herd-sizes for
higher price in most parts of the country. goats and sheep vary significantly. Small holders (<30
animals/household) raise only 35.5% sheep, but make
Camel population has shown a static or decreasing a lion’s share of goat-raising i.e. 66.2% [11]. Similarly,
trend over the years. Development in areas of camel- larger flocks (>100 animal/flock) for sheep constitute
production is resulting in better road-access and 36.5% of population, but only 14% of goat population.
mechanical transport, thus the utility of camels as One of the reasons for this discrepancy is that larger
means of transport of men and baggage is decreasing. herd-sizes are kept in Northern areas, NWFP and
Furthermore, camel-milk is not cherished in Pakistan Balochistan, where sheep-raising is more popular than
and there is practically very little market for camel’s goat husbandry.
milk and meat.
ANIMAL-PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN PAKISTAN
HERD-STRUCTURE IN LIVESTOCK
Except for nomadic sheep, goats and camels, and
Majority of national livestock-herd is distributed in small peri-urban dairying, production of livestock is closely
units throughout the Pakistan [Agricultural Census integrated with crop-production. Most farms are fully
Organization, 1998]. Small holders keep a major share integrated mixed units, with cattle, buffaloes and
of population in large ruminants, and 60% buffaloes sometimes sheep or goats or both. Traditionally, cattle
and 55.5% cattle are raised by farmers with less than were kept as draft animals, with milk as a by-product
6 animals per family (Table-7). Large-scale farming is and buffaloes as milking animals. With the
limited in Pakistan and only 6% buffalo and 9.8% cattle mechanization of agriculture, however, cross-bred cattle
4 Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004)
M. Afzal and A.N. Naqvi
are replacing the low-producing breeds. days and is then sold, generally for slaughter. Dry
females are either sold for slaughter or returned
Dairy Production to the rural areas for breeding. Most cows are not
mated, as pregnancy reduces milk-yield. Green
There are four main types of system [FAO, 1987; fodder is purchased, but feed consists mainly of
Afzal,1998] for the production of milk from cows and concentrate and straw. Since this is a high-cost
buffaloes in Pakistan: system, only high-potential animals are kept.
• Rural subsistence smallholdings, producing milk In the cities, families sometimes keep one or two
for the family at minimal cost. The average animals and sell the surplus milk, usually to
subsistence-unit consists of three buffaloes, neighbours.
including one or two adults. Grazing provides more
than half of the feed-requirement. Some green Sheep and Goats
fodder and straw is provided and a small quantity
of concentrate is given to milking cows. This The vast majority of small ruminant-flock owners are
traditional system makes heavy demands on family small-scale farmers, sometimes landless. Mixed flocks
labour. are common, although separate flocks of sheep or
• Rural, market-oriented smallholdings, with goats can also be seen. The production-systems
satisfactory access to milk-markets, producing [Ishaque, 1993; Afzal, 1998] are:
milk in excess of family-requirements for sale.
These farmers usually keep better-quality animals. • Nomadic, found mostly in parts of Sindh and
A typical unit consists of fewer than six buffaloes Baluchistan. These flocks, with more than 100
and cattle, with two or three in milk. Milking animals animals, move constantly throughout the year in
are generally stall-fed with seasonal green fodder, search of grazing. Most of the lambs and kids are
straw and concentrate while dry cows and herd born between January and April, when flocks are
followers are grazed. There is usually no adult bull at lower elevations. Females are retained for flock-
in the herd. Calves are retained during lactation, replacement or enlargement, but males are sold
and then the males are disposed of while females before they are one year old. Grazing is mainly
are kept as replacements. This system is the main free, but in some areas grazing or fodder may have
source of milk in Pakistan. to be purchased. Sheep are mostly shorn twice.
• Rural commercial farms, with more than 40 There is some milking, to provide for family-
animals, 90% buffaloes and 10% cattle, on mixed consumption and for sale in the local market.
crop-livestock farms or specialized farms for • Transhumant, where flock-owners have a fixed
breeding and milk production. Fodder crops are base, but move with their families to another
grown and straw may be home-grown or grazing-area for a major part of the year. This
purchased. Concentrates are fed and dry females system is prevalent in tribal areas in parts of the
and heifers are, if possible, grazed. There is usually North West Frontier Province, in parts of Sindh
a bull for natural mating and the government and Baluchistan and throughout the Northern
artificial insemination service is also used. These Areas. Average flock-size is about 100 animals.
farms are well organized and kept good records, Grazing is mainly on rangeland or crop residues,
but their contribution to the total milk supply is and sometimes areas have to be rented. The flock-
small. owners have easy access to the market and sell
• Peri-urban commercial dairy farms, around all big the male progeny, often at low weight. Sheep are
cities, the largest being at the Landhi Cattle shorn two or three times each year. There is some
Colony, Karachi, where more than 250,000 milking milking for family consumption or for the sale of
animals are kept. Most herds in this sector have milk or milk products.
15 to 50 animals and more than 90% are buffaloes, • Sedentary – household, where flocks remain in
mostly adult lactating females. Turnover is very the same locality throughout the year and are
high. Animals close to calving or in calf are taken out to graze during the day and brought
purchased, the calf is allowed to suckle for a few back in the evening. Flocks are small, usually
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Livestock Resources of Pakistan: Present Status and Future Trends
6 Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004)
M. Afzal and A.N. Naqvi
between 20 and 40 animals, and graze on stubble, of the selective breeding and government’s desire to
roadsides, canal banks, waterlogged areas, sponsor projects that yield quick and visible results.
rangeland and weeds. Women frequently keep a Livestock-breeders themselves have tried to improve
few animals, mostly goats, near the house and the breeds of their interest. In the absence of
feed them on household scraps, weeds and production- records kept at the farms, the breeders
nearby grazing. mainly selected animals on the physical breed
• Before the feast of Eid-ul-Azha, at the end of the characteristics, like colour of eyes, coat colour, tail
annual pilgrimage to Mecca, some entrepreneurs length and shape of horns, etc. Major government-
purchase 50-100 male sheep and goats, which sponsored genetic improvement programmes are given
they fatten and sell at a high price. below:
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Livestock Resources of Pakistan: Present Status and Future Trends
Barbari Milk and Meat Dadu, Sukkur, Naw abshah & Mirpur Khas in 40 25 1.00
Sindh. Sahiw al, Lahore, Jhang, Faisalabad &
Sargodha in Punjab.
Chappar or Meat Dadu, Jacobabad, Naw abshah, Tharparkar, 27 23 0.65 – 9
(Kohistani or Jabli) Karachi and Lasbela
Kamori Milk and Meat Hyderabad, Naw abshah, Larkana 60 50 1.8-2.2
Sindh Desi Milk and Meat Dadu, Shikarpur, Sukkur Naw abshah 27.2 22.2 0.9-1.8
Beetal Milk and meat Multan, Sahiw al, Lahore, Faisalabad, 55 45 1.8-2.7
Sargodha, Jhang, Okara, Jhelum, Gujranw ala,
Gujrat and Sialkot.
Nachi (Bikaneri) Meat and hair Bhaw alpur, Multan, Sahiw al 38 32 0.60-0.90 0.81
Dera Din Panah Milk, meat and hair Muzaffargarh, Leiah and Multan 55 50 1.3-2.2 1.2
Teddy Meat Gujrat, Jhelum, Sargodha and Raw alpindi 34 23
Kaghani Hair and meat Kaghan Valley (Abbotabad, Mansehra, 37 32 0.4-0.7 1.0
Kohistan and Sw at)
Khurassani Milk and meat Quetta, Loralai, Zhob, Chagi in Balochistan 30 25 0.9-1.3
Damani Milk, meat and hair Dera Ismail Khan and Peshaw ar 35 30 1.1-1.4 0.7
Gaddi Milk, Meat and Hair Kaghan Valley 50 41 0.4-0.7 1.4
Lehri Hair and Meat Lehri Tow n in Kachi area of Sibi 33 30 - 1.8
Kajli (Pahari) Meat, Hair and Milk Loralai in Balochistan and D.G. Khan in Punjab 30 25 0.9-1.3 0.8 to 1.0
Baltistani Milk and Meat Baltistan in Northern Areas 28.8 25.6 1.1
Bari Meat Hyderabad, Dadu, Larkana, Khairpur, 29 24 0.8-1
Naw abshah and Jacobabad
Beiari Meat Kotli and Mirpur 25 20 0.9
Buchi Meat and Hair Neelam Valley and Muzzafarabad 30 22 0.6
Bugi Toori Meat and Hair Eastern part of Hyderabad and Tando Allah 33 25 0.5-0.75
Yar Taluka
Bujri Milk meat and hair Badin and Thatta 45 35.5 1-1.25
Jarakheil Milk and Meat Chilas in Diamir district 51.5 42 1.39
Jattal Milk, Meat and Hair Kotli and Maripur 23 19 0.53
Jattan Milk and Meat Mirpurkhas 78 50 1.5-3
Kacchan Milk and Meat Hyderabad and Parts of Badin 68 45 2-3
Kail Meat and Hair Azad Kashmir 28.12 23.58 0.62
Koh-I-Ghizer Meat Strip along Kohi-Ghizer from Gilgit to Yasin, 41 35.6 0.97
Gupis and Imit
Kooti Milk and Meat Neelam Valley 20 15 0.71
Kurri Milk and Meat Kandhkot, Jacobabad, Sukhur, Naw abshah & 50 35 1
Kashmore
Labri Milk and Meat Muzaffarabad & Poonch 45 35 1.12
8 Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004)
M. Afzal and A.N. Naqvi
continued...
Lehri Meat and Hair Lehri Tow n of Karachi, Sibi and 32.8 30.5 0.9 1.8
surroundings
Pamiri Meat Hunza near Khunjrab and adjoining Pamir 40.5 36 0.8
region.
Pateri Milk and Meat Sanghar, Tando Adam and Shahadpur 70 45 1.0-2.0
Potohari Meat Potohar area in Punjab and Poonch 28 22 0.73
Shurri Meat and Hair Muzafarabad and poonch 38 30 0.9
Tapri or Lappi Milk and Meat Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas to Khipro and 33 25 0.5-1.0
Khairpur districts of Sindh
Tharki or Tharri Meat Semi arid and arid parts of Thar 32 24 0.5-0.75
and 7 Semen-Production Units in the country. populations i.e. government farms, private buffalo
Semen of buffaloes (both Nili-Ravia and Kundi) and farms and selected village buffalo-population, at
cattle (Sahiwal and Red Sindhi) is produced locally 27 sub-centres in three districts of Okara,
at four Semen-Production Centres. In addition to Faisalabad and Sahiwal, were included in this
these, semen from Holstein-Friesian and Jersey progeny-testing programme. However, progeny-
cattle is produced locally, as well as imported from testing programme of Sahiwal cattle has only been
other countries. limited to public-sector farms and surrounding
villages. So far, 13 batches having 276 bulls of
Bull-selection for A.I. (Artificial Insemination) has Nili-Ravi buffalo have been included in the
been a major problem. Bulls were initially programme. Similarly, 12 batches having 94 bulls
purchased from farmers having better producing of Sahiwal cattle have been handled. Fifty-one
animals or from government livestock-farms. buffalo and 21 Sahiwal bulls with positive predictive
However, in 1980 a progeny-testing programme values have been identified through this
was launched for Nili-Ravi buffaloes, which was programme. Semen of these bulls is available in
later expanded to include Sahiwal cattle. With A.I. network, as well as stored in the semen bank.
occasional break, this programme is still VI. Import of Exotic Germplasm: Like many other
continued and now candidate bulls for these two countries, Pakistan has also imported exotic cattle
breeds (Nili-Ravi buffaloes and Sahiwal cattle) are in an effort to establish these breeds in the local
picked from 10-15% topmost elite females, being environment. Several exotic breeds of cattle,
maintained at government farms or with registered notably Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Red Dane and
farmers. There is, however, a limited number of Australian Illawara shorthorn have been imported
these bulls and the rest are still selected on with different objectives such as establishment of
available limited pedigree record. nucleus herds, use in crossbreeding programmes
V. Progeny-Testing Programme: A progeny-testing or as demonstration and commercial units of
programme for Nili-Ravi buffalo-bulls was started modern dairy-farming. These importations have
in 1978. The work was, later on, expanded to been done in both public and private sector. In
include Sahiwal cattle also. Three buffalo- addition to poor adaptability, these animals under
Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004) 9
Livestock Resources of Pakistan: Present Status and Future Trends
10 Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004)
M. Afzal and A.N. Naqvi
local environmental and managemental conditions, and White and Swedish Red and White, etc.
usually lost their high production. A limited number Initially, crossbreeding experiments were carried
of small Friesian and Jersey cattle-herds are still out using Sahiwal and Cholistani cattle. However,
being maintained by the public sector. Males are later a national breeding-policy was formulated,
usually sold to interested farmers for which encourages selective breeding in Sahiwal
crossbreeding of local non-descript cattle. and Red Sindhi cattle and crossbreeding was
limited to only non-descript cattle. Currently, there
Awassi and Rambouillet sheep and Angora goats are about 2 million crossbred cattle in Pakistan.
have also been imported in the country. Angora
goat have been raised as pure-bred animals for Crossbreeding in sheep has focussed on
mohair production. Both Awassi and Rambouillet Rambouillet x Kaghani for improved wool and
sheep have been used in crossbreeding to mutton production, and on Awassi x Lohi and other
increase mutton and wool production of local breeds for improved mutton production.
sheep. Rambouillet x Kaghani crosses have better wool-
yield and live-weight and the quality of wool is also
VII. Crossbreeding: Crossbreeding in Pakistan has significantly improved. These crossbreds are now
been carried out in cattle and to a limited extent a common sight in Swat, the home tract of
in sheep. Among the ten breeds of cattle, only Kaghani.
two (Sahiwal and Red Sindhi) can be classified
as dairy breeds; all others are low milk-producers. CHANGING PATTERN OF MILK AND MEAT
Furthermore, pure-bred cattle in Pakistan only PRODUCTION
comprise 25-30% of the population and the rest
are non-descript low producers. Cattle Traditionally, large ruminants (buffaloes and cattle) have
crossbreeding was started in Pakistan in 1970. been raised in Pakistan for milk and draught, and small
Experiments at public-sector farms clearly showed ruminants (sheep and goats) for meat production. There
that crossbred animals were better (50 to 150%) is now a changing pattern of milk-production from
producers. Thus, crossbreeding has been carried subsistence to commercial production. Market-access
out through government A.I. network, as well as for milk-sale and increasing demand of the milk are
provision of male exotic animals to the interested the main factors pushing this change. Market-oriented
farmers. Exotic semen used in crossbreeding rural milk-production and peri-urban dairying are
included Holstein Friesian, Jersey, Australian becoming more important for supply of milk to the urban
Illawara shorthorn, Black Welch, Chinese Black centers. Peri-urban dairying is particularly a high input-
Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004) 11
Livestock Resources of Pakistan: Present Status and Future Trends
high-output system and is fast turning into a Baghnari cattle in order to develop a local beef breed.
commercial activity, rather than farming in the On-farm results have shown improvement in weight-
traditional sense. Cap on the price of livestock products, gain, as well as other productive and reproductive
particularly milk and meat works, as disincentive for parameters of the newly developed breed i.e.
the promotion of livestock in the country. NariMaster but these animals have never been
evaluated under farmers’ fields. There is need to first
Beef production has typically been a by-product of evaluate local cattle, like Sahiwal, Dhanni, Baghnari,
dairy and draught power in Pakistan. Price of meat Thari and Lohani cattle and Nili-Ravi and Kundi
(beef and mutton) has been controlled by the buffaloes for their beef-potential under optimum feeding
government and has been artificially kept at lower level, and management conditions. Research and
to favour the city consumers. Contrary to international development work, however, should continue to improve
trend, beef is the cheapest meat in the country. Thus, local breeds through selection and crossbreeding for
fattening of animals (which is an important requirement their beef-potential.
for meat development) has never got hold in our farming
system. Fattening of animals for sale at ‘Eid –ul Azha’ THREATS TO LIVESTOCK BREEDS
is the only exception, where fattening pays off and
this practice is gaining momentum in recent years. Human preferences and environmental pressures may
Research and development studies, carried out at result in erosion of livestock diversity. For livestock, it
different institutions of the country, clearly indicate is usually changing farming or production systems,
potential of beef-production in local cattle and buffalo- economy of the area and relevance of a specific breed
breeds. Many studies have reported a weight-gain of in the changed economic and farming system that
more than one kg per day in local cattle and buffalo determine the survivability of the breed. Peri-urban
and 175 to 250 grams per day in sheep and goats, dairying is growing and subsistence farming is fading
over a fattening period of 90 to 120 days. Although in Pakistan. Consumers prefer buffalo milk to cow milk
some of the weight-gain could be attributed to and goat meat to sheep meat. Furthermore, human
compensatory growth, the studies clearly demonstrate population-pressure is resulting in decrease in
the potential of local breeds for meat-production [Muller, rangelands and other grazing areas and crop-production
1986, Alvi, 1991]. However, economically, fattening of patterns are changing. These factors will result in
animals was not feasible until recently. Meat prices in preferences for breeds that are more productive and
major cities have risen to a level where fattening seems suitable in the changing farming systems. Buffaloes
to be now feasible and is expected to gain momentum. occupy a central position in milk production in Pakistan
Furthermore, export of meat to Gulf countries has also and, since both buffalo breeds are reasonably good
given an incentive for the fattening enterprises. milk producers, this animal will continue to flourish.
Traditionally, cattle have been used as a draught power
There are some additional constraints to meat- for agriculture in Pakistan. With the introduction of
production in the country. Fattening operations require machinery, their utility for draught power is being
a continuous source of supply of feeder-animals. In challenged. In fact, demographic changes are already
the absence of large livestock farms, purchase of being seen in cattle population. The two milch breeds
feeder-animals has to be from the livestock-markets i.e. Sahiwal and Red Sindhi, are medium producers
where basic infrastructure of weighing of animals is and inferior to crossbred animals in milk-production,
not present. Furthermore, animals coming from different thus their survival will be threatened if no selective-
sources, when reared together, require special breeding programmes for the improvement of these
management skills. breeds are carried out.
Introduction of beef breeds has been debated in Rojhan, Lohani, Dajjal and Kankrej cattle-breeds will
Pakistan since long. Non-availability of good-quality probably face a real threat for their survival in the next
range has worked as disincentive for this introduction. two decades. These breeds are low milk-producers
and have less potential of being developed as beef-
Efforts to develop a beef-breed have been carried out
breeds also. Furthermore, areas of concentration of
at Beef Development Centre, Sibi (Balochistan), where
these breeds are being developed for crop-production,
Australian Draught Master was used to cross with
12 Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004)
M. Afzal and A.N. Naqvi
irrigation-facilities are being developed, and grazing generally felt that livestock genetic-improvement
areas are shrinking. These conditions will favour buffalo programmes developed in western countries cannot
and crossbred animals. be applied to the local farming system. Furthermore,
there is practically no identification and production-
Sheep and goat breeds are at higher risk of losing recording system in vogue in the country; thus the
their identity, due to indiscriminate breeding and lack genetic improvement programmes become an uphill
of any breeding-policy or directive from the government. task. These concerns have been expressed in many
In fact government has never seriously undertaken any seminars and workshops on the subject. Major
significant development-project or programme for research and development needs in the area of genetic
improvement or selective breeding of local breeds. improvement of livestock are listed below:
Sheep breeds will be more vulnerable as, in many
areas, sheep-raising is being replaced by goat 1. Introduction of a uniform performance-recording
husbandry. Furthermore, grazing-places and system is a basic requirement of any genetic
rangelands are decreasing, thus reducing nutrient improvement programme. A low-cost self-
availability to these animals. Since phenotypic and sustaining model for performance-recording needs
genetic characterization of the sheep-breeds have not to be developed and implemented in different
been carried out, the value of each breed is judged socio-economic and geographical locations of the
only from their mutton-potential, thus breeds with lower country. Will there be one model for dairy animals,
adult weight will be more liable to disappear. meat animals and small ruminants or separate
Government-sponsored project of crossbreeding recording-systems have to be evolved for different
Rambouillet with local Kaghani sheep has clearly situations? The performance-records then can be
shown this trend. In fact in Swat, the home tract of used for genetic improvement of animals.
Kaghani, every 3rd or 4th sheep is a crossbred now, Alternately, development of molecular markers for
within a short span of 10 years, the popularity being selection of animals for economic traits, at an early
due to higher weight-gain and better-quality wool. age, can provide an easy tool for genetic
improvement. It is known that most of the
Camel breeds face the real threat. Although 21 breeds production-traits are controlled by more than one
of camel have been described in one study, these may gene. However, research on genes associated with
not describe the real situation. Many of these may milk-production and growth-rate needs to be
not be true breeds and require phenotypic and genetic studied, to develop molecular marker assisted
characterization studies. Furthermore, the habitat of selection in large and small ruminants.
camels is changing fast. Road-infrastructure is 2. There is need for evaluation and strengthening of
resulting in greater vehicle-transport in these areas progeny-testing programme of Nili-Ravi buffalo and
and irrigation facilities are resulting in crop husbandry Sahiwal cattle. Cost:benefit ratio needs to be
and keeping buffaloes and, cattle. Camel population calculated and how the sustainability of the
is also decreasing and, without any significant market programme can be ensured? There is need to start
for camel milk and meat, many breeds may not be breed-improvement programmes for Kundi
able to survive. buffaloes and Red Sindhi cattle in Sindh province.
This programme will have to focus on involving
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT NEEDS farmers, organizing them into organization(s) that
can take over this programme in the long run.
Improvement of livestock-productivity per unit animal 3. Development of breed-associations is another area
remains the primary concern of research and for R&D in Pakistan. The interested farmers needs
development efforts. Only those breeds of livestock to be organized. Once established, how will these
will survive that will be useful in the changing farming- associations be self-sustaining without
systems scenario. Thus, there is a real danger that government support? Initially there is need to start
many of the breeds may not susrvive and some with breed associations of Nili-Ravi and Kundi
conservation programme has to be put in place. buffaloes and Sahiwal and Red Sindhi cattle, which
Furthermore, genetic-improvement programmes have can be expanded to include other breeds later on.
4. Undefined off-shoots of buffalo breeds (Azakheli,
to be put in place for the promising breeds. Due to
white Nili-Ravi and Bhuri Kundi buffaloes) need to
small herd-sizes and a large number of farmers involved
be studied for their production-potential and
in livestock activities, many of them part-time, it is genetic relationship with main buffalo-breeds.
Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004) 13
Livestock Resources of Pakistan: Present Status and Future Trends
5. There is need to genetically characterize all breeds Census 1996. Statistics Division, Government of
of cattle. Some of these cattle-breeds may not be Pakistan, Lahore.
economical in the changing farming-system. Thus 3. Alvi, A.S. 1991; Meat Production and Technology in
there is need to determine genetic relationship Pakistan. Pakistan Agricultural Research,
among different breeds. Furthermore, there is need Islamabad. Pp: 1-139.
to determine specific phenotypic characteristics 4. Bhutto, M. A., M.A. Khan, and G. Ahmad, 1993;
of each cattle-breed e.g. disease-resistance, tick- Livestock Breeds of Pakistan. Ministry of Food,
resistance, etc., and then conservation-policy Agriculture and Livestock, Government of Pakistan,
needs to be developed. pp: 1-66.
6. Model selective breeding-programmes for main 5. FAO, 1987; Pakistan Livestock Sector Study. Report
sheep breeds i.e. Lohi, Kajli, Thalli and Sipli in of the FAO/ADB Cooperative Programme Investment
Punjab; Bibrik, Baluchi and Rakhshani in Centre, Vol 1 & 2, FAO, Rome.
Balochistan; Waziri, Hashtnagri and Damani in 6. Government of Pakistan, 2002; Economic Survey
NWFP; Kacchi, Kooka and Dumbi in Sindh and 2001-2002, Economic Advisory Wing, Finance
Kail in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, needs to be Division, Islamabad.
started. These programmes should in the long run 7. Husnain, H.U., 1985; Sheep and Goats in Pakistan.
be self-sustaining. FAO Animal Production and Health Production and
7. Goat breeds of Beetal, Kamori and Dera Din Panah Health Paper No. 56, Rome, pp:1-35.
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through sustainable selective breeding- Breeds of Pakistan. Press Corporation of Pakistan,
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8. There are a large number of sheep and goat breeds 9. Isani, G.B. and M.N. Baloch, 2000; Camel Breeds of
Pakistan. The Camel Applied Research and
in Pakistan. Although general production-traits of
Development Network. CARDN-Pakistan/ACSAD/P
these breeds are known, peculiar genetic and
94/2000, pp: 1-150.
phenotypic characteristics need to be studied. Are
10. Ishaque, S.M., 1993; Sheep Management Systems.
all these really breeds? Many of these breeds may
In: Mackintosh, J.B. (ed) Sheep Production in
be off-shoots of other breeds. Molecular genetic
Pakistan. Pakistan Agricultural Research Council,
studies need to be carried out, to answer this
Islamabad.
question. Results of these studies will define the
11. Jasra, A.W. and G.B. Isani, 2000; Socio-economics
breeds to be conserved. of Camel Herders in Pakistan. The Camel Applied
9. Local breeds of cattle should be evaluated for their Research and Development Network. CARDN-
beef-potential under optimum nutritional and Pakistan/ACSAD/P 94/2000, pp: 56-72.
management conditions. Those showing potential 12. Khan, U.N., 1994; Genetic Improvement of Native
for beef-production, may be selected for growth- Cattle Through Crossbreeding and Introduction of
rate and other beef parameters. Development of Exotic Dairy Cattle in Pakistan. Pakistan Science
synthetic beef breed, using exotic blood may also Foundation, Islamabad.pp:106.
be a topic of future research and development. 13. Muller, Z.O., 1986; Fattening of Ruminants Under
Similarly, efforts may also be made to identify Feedlot System in Pakistan. Pakistan Agricultural
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14. Naqvi, A.N. and S.M. Jafar, 1989; Dairy Cattle Breeding
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14 Quarterly SCIENCE VISION Vol.9 No.1-2 (Jul - Dec, 2003) & 3-4 (Jan - Jun, 2004)